Here's your weekend round-up of all the essential news from around the world of jiu-jitsu. 

Demian Maia Takes Another Step Closer to Title Shot Thanks To Jiu-Jitsu 

We spoke more about Demian Maia’s recent win and excellent pedigree as a jiu-jitsu fighter in MMA here. Maia’s third-round rear naked choke submission of Matt Brown may put him one step closer to the title, but he’s also within closing distance of another important honor. 

Speaking of Demian Maia, check out this video of the UFC fighter at the Marcelo Garcia academy here: 

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AJ Sousa Takes Gold in Miami in First Tournament as a GF Team Rep

Fresh from the news that he’d switched from Atos to GF Team, AJ Sousa – from Fort Lauderdale, Florida – stepped onto the mat in front of friends and family at the Miami Open. The 23-year-old won gold in the middleweight division (he usually fights at lightweight but moved up for more matches). 

Sousa beat the tough Felipe Silva by advantages in the first round, went 2-0 up against Marcel Goncalves of Fight Sports before defeating Lucas Valle of Insight Jiu-Jitsu in the final, passing the guard and mounting the Brazilian. 

Watch Sousa’s finals match with Lucas Valle here:


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Roberto Cyborg Wins Division and Absolute

Not only did Roberto ‘Cyborg’ take the gold in the ultra heavyweight division of the IBJJF Miami Open, but he shared the absolute gold with his student Ricardo Rezende too. Classy move from Cyborg!